Business Resources

Small Business Resource Guide

Starting your own business is hard work and a journey filled with uncertainty and apprehension. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed if you don’t know where to turn for answers. The estimated 25.8 million small businesses in the United States have generated 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs over the last decade. The Chamber understands the importance of these small businesses. In fact, more than half of the Chamber’s 480-plus members have four or fewer employees.

The Chamber is committed to your success. We offer relevant and timely programs and resources that will help you through various stages of your business. The resources listed below do not cover every aspect of starting a business. However, they serve as a starting point for the entrepreneur forming a new business in the Woodbury area.

 

SCORE

SCORE, "Counselors to America’s Small Business,” provide free and confidential business counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives. SCORE assists people who are starting a new business, buying or selling a business or need counseling on an existing small business. Click here to schedule a one to one meeting with a SCORE mentor Click here to learn more.

 

SCORE Business Workshops

SCORE Business Workshops focus on topics that are important to you (from marketing to growth, and business planning to funding opportunities). Each round table is facilitated by a SCORE mentor and are designed to help you grow your business network, discuss topics that matter to you, get feedback and helpful advice, learn from the success of others and connect with experts and entrepreneurs. Click here to learn more. 

 

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• The Small Business Development Center in St. Paul provides consulting for business planning, market research and analysis, financial planning and loan packaging.

U.S. Small Business Administration

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve competitive free enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Click here to visit SBA's Web site.

 

Business Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

• Click here for link to helpful info from Shoretel Sky

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Tax Information for Small Business

The Internal Revenue Service for Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center has useful tax information and services for business owners. The tax center can help whether you are starting, operating or closing a business. You can apply for an Employer Identification Number online or get a form you need. If you want employment tax information, the center has it.

More Tools & Resources: 

• IRS Video Portal. Watch helpful videos and webinars on a variety of topics from filing and paying your taxes to understanding the IRS audit process.
• Online Tools. The Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed features e-filing and e-paying options alerts for important filing dates and tax tips. You can order a wall calendar or install the IRS CalendarConnector and access important tax dates for small businesses right from your desktop.
• Small Business Events and Educational Products.  The online Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop has nine interactive lessons designed to help you understand and meet your federal tax obligations. You can also find free IRS small business workshops and other events planned in your state.

Go to the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center and use the A-Z index to find whatever you need. Click here to learn more.